[UPDATED] GE15: GPS drops three incumbents, includes two reps in line-up

KUCHING – Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has replaced three incumbents and included two serving state assemblymen in its line-up of candidates for the 15th general election (GE15).

When announcing the list of candidates this morning, GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said Puncak Borneo incumbent Datuk Willie Mongin will defend the seat.

The incumbents not seeking reelection are Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar in Santubong, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim in Batang Lupar, and Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat in Betong.

All the three incumbents are from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu.

They are replaced by Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (Santubong), Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (Batang Lupar), and Richard Rapu (Betong).

New face Rodiyah Sapiee will contest in Nancy’s former seat of Batang Sadong.

Also among the 31 candidates are Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who will stand in Stampin, and Repok assemblyman Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, who is GPS’ candidate for Sarikei.

Lo and Willie are among the 14 new faces fielded by GPS to stand in GE15.

The others are Lidang Disen (Mas Gading), Tay Tze Kok (Bandar Kuching), Rodiyah Sapiee (Batang Sadong), Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (Batang Lupar), Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie (Sri Aman), Roy Angau Gingkoi (Lubok Antu), Richard Rapu (Betong), Giendam Jonathan Tait (Saratok), Wong Ching Yong (Lanang), Clarence Ting Ing Horh (Sibu), Edwin Banta (Selangau), and Jeffery Phang Siaw Foong (Miri).

GPS will also field incumbents Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Petra Jaya), Datuk Rubiah Wang (Kota Samarahan), Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (Serian), Yusuf Abdul Wahab (Tg Manis), Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (Igan), Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum (Julau), Datuk Ago Dagang (Kanowit), Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib (Mukah), Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (Kapit), Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (Hulu Rajang), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu), Lukanisman Awang Sauni (Sibuti), Datuk Anyi Ngau (Baram), Datuk Hasbi Habibollah (Limbang), and Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas).

PBB, the backbone of GPS, will field 14 candidates, whereas the Sarawak United People’s Party has seven candidates.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party will field six and four candidates respectively.

Abang Johari told a press conference at the PBB headquarters here that GPS’ chosen candidates are of experience and that they comprise the middle-aged and youth.

The premier also said that the coalition has added two more women as candidates, bringing GPS’ women candidates to five for GE15.

“We have Datuk Seri Doris (PRS Women’s chief) who will be standing in Sri Aman and the other lady is Rodiyah Sapiee for Batang Sadong.

“Rodiyah’s education background includes a master of business administration as well as a bachelor of civil engineering,” he said.

Abang Johari added GPS will continue to defend Sarawak’s rights through its parliamentary candidates, who will focus on putting “Sarawak First” in Parliament, especially on issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“We have our policy, including those that have yet to be completed, under the MA63 negotiations,” he said.

He also said that the coalition has been successful in its constitutional demands through Wan Junaidi, the caretaker minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), which had resulted in the MA63 and its annexures such as the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report being recognised and included as part of the Federal Constitution.

“I would like to express my thanks to the GPS MPs who have served in the past government, particularly those who have paved the way for new faces,” he said.

Abang Johari also announced that GPS will be launching its manifesto on November 6.

“We are very firm on our manifesto, even though some have said that it should not be treated like a ‘Bible’,” he said.

Among those present at the press conference were deputy premiers Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian. – Borneo Post Online, November 3, 2022